Breast health is the focus of NP faculty work
at the MSU Department of Surgery. Breast
examinations, evaluations, diagnostic studies,
health education, and genetic risk assessment
are provided to both insured and underserved
patients. For several years, a grant from Susan
G. Komen Mid-Michigan has funded care
for women under age 40 without insurance.
Approximately 50 new patients a year and
another 50 in follow up receive care they would
not have accessed otherwise.
In a separate program, volunteer NPs have
coordinated two annual free mammogram
screening events for women over age 40
who do not have insurance or adequate
insurance. NPs from the College work with
Sparrow Hospital Radiology and Labs, the
Aitch Foundation (started by MSU basketball
player Lauren Aitch), MSU surgeons, and other
resources to reach out to the underserved.
Chris Pearson, Executive Director
Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan
Assistant Professor, Health Programs
It was during Smania’s brief administrative
role that she found she really missed patients
and vowed never to leave practice again. As an
NP, she has worked with patients, both insured
and underserved, in an advanced role for the
last 10 years. Using Rogers and Parcy’s Holistic
Care of Unique Human Being and the Pender
Health Promotion Model, Smania treats each
person within the context of their own unique
circumstances and promotes healthy behaviors.
She provides essential physical care along with
education and counseling to individuals across
the socioeconomic spectrum.
“I’ve always been interested in the sciences,
and my mother was a nurse,” says Smania.
“My c